SA’s reality in terms of climate change and sustainable development There is little dispute amongst world climate scientists that anthropogenic induced climate change is a very real threat to long-term global environmental sustainability. The most vital and real consequences of predicted climate change is the increased intensity of severe weather events that could include extended…
Sustainable Motoring Is there a term referring to efficient and realistic alternatives to fossil-fuelled internal-combustion engines? Let’s start by dispelling a rumour that is the source of numerous internet debates. No reliable evidence exists to suggest that the carbon footprint of the Toyota Prius exceeds that of a Hummer. However, importing the Prius does not…
We all pay tax. Sometimes we pay it over to SARS ourselves. But, at least as far as individuals are concerned, it is usually withheld by someone else, who then pays it over. The most ubiquitous form of tax is probably VAT. Even the humblest among us pays VAT. In fact, it’s almost impossible to…
What are the common misconceptions about auditing and auditors? Sadly, many people have a rather negative impression of the word audit. Many associate an audit with international corporate collapses since auditors had some role in these. Others think that an audit involves someone who has accounting knowledge and prepares an entity’s year end financial statements.…
Bertus “Starbucks” Fourie is credited with starting the wave of popularity of the new “Coffee, chocolate, mocha, cacao” flavoured Pinotages which have been the popular choice “receiving most votes overall” from those attending Winex, which was held in Cape Town recently. And, interestingly, have been studiously ignored by most of the judges in the annual…
In today’s constantly evolving vehicle market that presents many new vehicles with modern shapes, it is fascinating to see some innovative manufacturers, who look nostalgically to the past for inspiration, in the hope of making the ultimate vehicle. In this area, I believe BMW have done a magnificent job of recreating the lovable Mini. It’s…
The Warm War: a case for business The 20th century saw the world divided by the Cold War. The 21st century may see the world united by, what this author has termed, “The Warm War” – the call to “benevolent arms” to address the global impact of climate change. Theodore Roosevelt IV recently stated: “The…
When you first stand next to the GS 1200 Adventure it looks enormous and intimidating, but once you get moving it shrinks under you and becomes very manouverable. The GS series has a rich history of overland adventures and started the big trail bike class with the R80G/S back in 1980. A few Dakar wins…
Spier – a wine estate in search of a sustainable future At the foot of Africa, in the heart of the Cape Winelands is a business intent on doing things differently. While producing award-winning wine, and offering a luxury experience in its four star hotel and conference centre, Spier estate’s primary focus is to balance…
Earth observation in South Africa and its impact on business On 17 September 2009 South Africa’s first operational earth observation satellite (SumbandilaSat) was launched from the Baikonour spaceport in Kazakhstan on board a Soyuz rocket. This satellite is a microsatellite with a number of ‘payloads’. The primary payload is a multispectral imager (camera) that will…